Fraserburgh to Peterhead (21 miles)

The route from Fraserburgh to Peterhead is 21.4 miles long and has climbing of 846 feet. The route is consistently lumpy with numerous short but steep spikes, so has been given a difficulty rating of 6. Due to your proximity to the sea, wind will often be a factor.

Known locally as The Broch (an Iron Age, drystone structure and the old Scots word for fort), Fraserburgh is a major fishing port specialising in shellfish, white fish and pelagic. The town was founded in the early 16th century by the Fraser family, and the first harbour was built in 1590. If you have time, you could visit Kinnaird Head Lighthouse or the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. The town is also famous for its array of impressive 19th century churches.

Starting at the main harbour, you head straight out of Fraserburgh on the east side, briefly joining the Fortmartine and Buchan Way. You will turn south in to farming country after 2.6 miles, with Fraserburgh Golf Club and the amazing dune system on your left. The first 11.1 miles are consistently uphill where you reach the high point of 289 feet. There are lots of energy sapping lumps in the road, but you do get some respite from the high point with a downhill section lasting 5.5 miles, though after this there is no real flat section. You will join the River Ugie at mile 16 and arrive on the edge of Peterhead after 18 miles. You will then need to navigate through the town for 3.3 miles before finishing on the south side overlooking Peterhead Bay
There is much to interest you on this route. After 6.8 miles you pass by Crimonmogate House and Gardens. Now privately owned, the original house dates back to the 14th century, though the main property is far newer and was designed by the renowned Aberdonian architect Archibald Simpson. At mile 7.7 you pass close to the RSPB reserve of Strathbeg, as well as the stunning beach and dunes of Back Bar. You then need to cross the busy A90 road, so please take care. You will cycle past a stone circle at mile 8.4 and also the aptly named Gallows Hill at mile 14.9.

Peterhead is the most eastern point of mainland Scotland and is known as the Blue Toon. It was officially founded in 1593 and was immediately recognised for its natural harbour. The town has a dark history in relation to whaling, but from the early 19th century herring became the major catch. With the discovery of oil in the North Sea in the 1970s, Peterhead became a major services centre, but fishing is still the predominant industry – it is the largest port for fish landing in the UK, and the largest white-fish port in Europe. There is some wonderful architecture in Peterhead, mainly fanning out from the harbour. The grade A listed Buchan Ness lighthouse sits just south of the town, and the notorious Peterhead Prison has been converted into a museum. There are various café, restaurant and supermarket options if you wish to refuel.

By clicking on the ‘play’ symbol on the graphic below you can see route map. The elevation profile of the ride can be seen via the Hills tab with files for use with a GPS device also available for download. If you take any photos of the route that you’d like to share, please submit to neil@velodays.com
Onward rides from Peterhead can be found here

Route map for Fraserburgh To Peterhead by Neil Innes on plotaroute.com